Soon after Community Advocate Albert Baldeo pushed for cleaner heating fuels in our homes, the State Legislature and the Governor passed legislation requiring the oil industry to provide cleaner heating fuels. This exemplifies how citizens can relentlessly advocate for change at all levels of government to secure a better quality of life. Thank you, Albert, for standing up to the big oil industry for us!
Governor Signs Legislation Requiring Oil Industry to Provide Cleaner Heating Fuels
Governor David A. Paterson today signed legislation that will require the oil industry to reduce the amount of sulfur in the fuel oil used to heat New York homes and businesses. The cleaner fuel will lead to lower levels of dangerous fine particle pollution that makes people sick and shortens lives. The new measure will begin with the 2012-2013 heating season and continue thereafter.
“Reducing the levels of sulfur in heating fuel oil will improve the health of New Yorkers and our environment, and will help consumers cut their energy bills through reduced fuel use and lower maintenance costs,” Governor Paterson said. “The energy, health and environmental benefits of this legislation are indisputable. It is critical, however, that Legislators work to pass a chapter amendment this year that would ensure that tax exempt status of heating fuel oil is maintained. While the law does not take full effect until 2012, I will do everything in my power to ensure that homeowners are protected as quickly as possible, securing a shared win for the environment, homeowners and the health of all New Yorkers.”
The bill amends the environmental conservation law to set an upper limit of fifteen parts per million for number two heating fuel oil for use in residential, commercial or industrial heating applications
